Friends of Lower Blue River Valley hosts fundraiser at historic community center

Slate Creek Community Hall is shown here in 2012. The building was a happening place in the 1930s, according to John Longhill, president of the Friends of the Lower Blue River Valley conservation group. The Friends group will host its annual community gathering from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 30 at the hall.Special to the Daily |

A Summit County gathering place that once hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fundraisers to fight polio will again play host to the Friends of the Lower Blue River Valley’s biggest event of the year, a community gathering from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 30.

Located on Slate Creek Road off Colorado 9, about 18 miles north of Silverthorne, Slate Creek Community Hall was a happening spot in the 1930s before it fell into disrepair and was gifted to the Friends group by the Summit Historical Society.

The Friends group restored the building, and “it’s doing what it’s been doing since 1935,” said John Longhill, president of the group, referring to their annual community events, which typically draw about 100 people and raise between $5,000 and $10,000 for the nonprofit group’s conservation efforts.

“It’s about bringing the community together for friendship and camaraderie, and that we can all work together to maintain the agricultural and historical character of the Lower Blue River Valley through education, collaboration and community involvement,” Longhill said.

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At the gathering, guest speakers Don Reimer and Ashley Nettles will talk about issues important to the Lower Blue River Valley and update the public on the group’s efforts.

Also, live music will be provided by Randall McKinnon, and there will be a silent auction with barbecue catering from Arapahoe Café.

Onsite parking will be available, but because space is limited, organizers are asking people to carpool.

The event is free and open to anyone, not just members of the group, but to get an idea of how many people might attend, director of the Friends group Megan Vassar is asking potential patrons to RSVP by Wednesday.

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